Riddle, Rita Sizemore

Dr. Rita Sizemore Riddle, 65, of Radford, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2006. Born September 26, 1941 in Fleming, Kentucky, Rita Ann grew up in Dickenson County, Virginia near Sandy Ridge.

A lifelong lover of reading, writing, and learning, Rita began a teaching career in 1963 at Ervinton High School in Nora, Virginia that spanned 31 years when she retired from Radford University in 2002. She earned undergraduate degrees from Hiwassee College in Madison, Tennessee and East Tennessee State University. In 1971, she completed her Ph.D. in English from the University of Tennessee and moved to Radford shortly thereafter.

As an educator, Rita left an indelible impression in the history of Radford University’s English Department, touching the many lives of students and faculty. As an accomplished writer and poet, she found her voice in the reflection of her life in the Appalachian Mountains.

She is survived by her husband, Mr. David C. Riddle, III; her sister, Mickey Sheppard; her brother, Charles Sizemore; her two sons, Henry White and Andrew White; her stepson, Remington Riddle; her daughter-in-laws, Linda White and Julie White; and her four grandchildren, Jessica, Drew, Mitch, and Matthew.

Services for Dr. Rita Riddle will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2006 at First Baptist Church in Radford located at 215 3rd Avenue. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

DeVilbiss Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the Riddle family.